Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
